ATHENS, Ohio (May 3, 2001) -- The president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and other prominent economic experts will take part in a financial conference starting at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 7 at the Ohio University Ridges Auditorium in Athens, Ohio.

The conference, "The Economy: Where is it and Where is it Going?," is being sponsored by the Ohio University Department of Economics, the Athens Rotary Club and the Greater Athens Chamber of Commerce.

Jerry Jordan, President of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank since 1992, will give a speech entitled "Economic Policies for the Twenty-First Century." Jordan is a member of the Fed committee that helps determine interest rates, but will not comment on Fed actions.

Jordan held a variety of business and government posts prior to becoming president of the Cleveland Bank. He worked for Pittsburgh National Bank and First Interstate Bancorp, served as a member of President Reagan's Council of Economic Advisers and was dean of the R.O. Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico.

"This conference will explore the economy and, perhaps, clear away some of the misunderstanding and confusion that is currently circulating," said event organizer and Ohio University Economics Professor Richard Vedder. "We are fortunate to have such a respected and knowledgeable group of economic experts to come talk about where the economy is and what we can expect in the future."

National Bank Vice President and Chief Economist James Coons, Milken Institute Director of Regional Studies Ross DeVol and E.I. DuPont de Nemours economist Robert Fry.